Reflecting on a Challenging Week

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(cover image: created with Copilot, prompt by Timotheus)

Hi everyone,

This past week has been quite eventful in my teaching journey. One of my problematic students created an administrative problem, which caused me some undue stress. Additionally, I was chided for opening the school doors earlier than the official opening hours. These incidents, along with many others over the past months, have made me rethink my previous joy of returning to teaching at this school.

I am reminded of my pre-cancer days and how unsuitable this school can be for me: the politics, the excessive administrative tasks expected from even part-time teachers like myself, and the long travel time (one and a half hours each way), the backstabbing, and plenty more.

(image: created with Copilot, prompt by Timotheus)

Don’t get me wrong; I understand that the school has its reasons for doing things the way they do. They have every right to put policies in place and enforce them. I am not upset or angry at the school or anyone. In fact, I stayed calm, observed what was happening, and asked myself: What is the Universe showing me? What do I have to learn? Perhaps the Universe is showing me that this school might not be the right fit for me anymore?

I just feel that this may not be the suitable work environment for me anymore. Especially after battling and surviving cancer, I feel I need a place that is calmer and more peaceful. I am even all right with just going to work, doing my job, and returning home. Nobody bothers me. And I don't bother anyone. For months, I have kept my eyes and ears open for better opportunities. I hope to find one soon.

Updates on Other Stuff

Test Results

In my previous blog post, I mentioned about a batch where there were a few errant students.
They failed the test, resulting in a 67% passing rate. However, this past week, I am pleased to report a 100% passing rate. This improvement could be because this week’s students were more willing to listen and learn.

Sharing Supernatural Stories

With the past weeks’ busy schedule, I had little time to work on my websites. Instead, I shared old blog posts with my social media fans and followers. Given that it is the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, I shared mostly supernatural stories, including true Singapore ghost stories.

(image: A Chinese family paying respects to the spirits during the Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival, image created with Copilot, prompt by Timotheus)

Book Update

Over this weekend, I managed to squeeze in some time to work on my upcoming book. This book is a compilation of my old blog posts about meditation and my spiritual experiences, such as astral travel and psychic abilities.

It is quite a task to get back to writing the outline for the book after a long hiatus. I had to read the outline I had done so far. Then continue writing the outline from where I stopped. To do that, I had to look at the sequence of the blog posts I had written, and carefully choose the ones that are suitable for this book.

The outline is still not completed. I had to pause again as I needed to rest so as to get ready for next week's teaching job. When I return to continuing the outline, hopefully next weekend, it will be the same arduous process again.

Looking Ahead

Next week promises to be another busy one. There may be more drama at the school again. I told myself to not speak so much. Just do the job. Do not engage with the students, teachers and staff unnecessarily (that is, only discuss topics related to the job). I hope to keep practicing calm and dealing with issues with grace.

I wish you good health.

Tim

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Recent Comments

13

Hello Tim,

I am happy to hear you spent some time writing your book outline, this truly sounds exciting.

In time the Universe for sure shows us when and where we need to be, in the meantime staying cool, calm and collected in that school system is the best solution.

It is amazing when exactly the University of Life provides the answers to make our next move, even when we think we are at our last brink of hope.

Are you on LinkedIn Tim, I have found the networking there is quite incredible for business.

Keep up your optimism :)

Kind regards
Erica

Hi Erica,
I always appreciate hearing from you and receiving your kind advice.

With regards to the book, I have put a pause on it. When I tried to move forward with it, every step forward was met with something happened in my life to keep me from continuing writing it.

Also, I noticed a lack of interest in the topic of this book: my past meditation experience of over 20 years. Perhaps the Universe if giving me a sign?

Yes, I am on LinkedIn. I did find some leads for teaching gigs. But was faced with issues. The strange practice in Singapore is that many private schools want freelance teachers to register a business in order to hire them as an associate lecturer.

I am not keen to do that as it will involve a lot of admin. All the admin for a freelance job that pays little is not worth it to me. Also, if I were to register and start a business, I would rather go all out with a full-fledged business and earn more. Why would I register a business and use it to earn the small fees given for freelance work?

Despite all above, I will do my best to keep thinking positive. As you know from my other blog post, I have decided to focus on a new niche and website. I hope it will be better this time round. :)

I wish you good health.

Tiim

Hello Tim,

Yes, I completely relate to freelancing, as it is mostly small fees for time and effort, I agree.

I am sure, your new niche and dedicating time to your website will prove you well.

To me, it is all about maintaining optimism and striving ahead.

It is imperative to maintain positivity I agree.

The mind is powerful when we focus, I am glad you will remain steadfast in your goals.

I appreciate your wishes :)

I wish you all the best too.

Kind regards
Erica





Thank you Erica 🙏

🙏

Sorry to hear about the problems you have been experiencing recently at the school Tim...

Sometimes, students just don't want to learn and the politics in certain places is not for me!!

Private teaching is the way to go in my opinion and is what I have done for many years...

At the end of the day... we must all do what works best for us as individuals!!

Take care buddy! :-)

Thanks buddy.

Before cancer, I did not like the politics at this school. Now that I am back, I am disappointed that is the same. It's ok. I take it as the Universe showing me and asking me if this is what I want. My answer is no.

Currently, I am accepting the situation. I believe the Universe is conspiring and have the best plans for me. Will look out for that.

Private teaching is a difficult endeavor in Singapore. I am not keen to face helicopter parents.

Yes, we do what is best for me. And I believe I am on the edge of a new and better beginning.

Please take care too. :)

Tim

The Universe will guide you to where you want to be Tim...

It's seldom a straight journey but... I have confidence you will end up in the best place for you buddy! :-)

🙏🙏

Despite the politics and indeed school policies, one does not fail to see that you have a special attachment to your students' learning! This is the only driving force that has kept you in Academia.

We, teachers, suffer quietly when we things move in opposite directions as school administrators push//implement policies that may be affecting the equilibrium of the whole teaching environment.

Sorry for that, and it is good you kept your cool. Sometimes, avoiding stressful environments may be the best option, especially in maintaining a vibrant health. You may need to consider this early.

Wishing you a less stressful and productive week ahead.
Joseph

Thanks Joseph.
I do put my health of the utmost importance.
For now, I will just continue to tolerate until a better option arrives.

Tim

Wishing you, all the best, Tim. Find a vocation that keep you healthy and fit.
Joseph

Best wishes, Tim! I know what it's like to deal with politics in the teaching world.

I made the decision to end ties back in March. It was better to dump the toxic environment rather than my company reap the rewards.

For me mental health was more important than the money. I had other income streams so it was okay.

Hopefully the vehicle at WA will set you free!

My health is utmost important to me too.
At the moment, it is good to teach and earn some money to survive.
I am now open to opportunities. Not actively seeking yet. I'll do that when I get stronger.

Tim

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